Novato, California

Looking for the best hiking in Novato? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Novato. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Novato

  • Martinez, California

    Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail

    5.0
    2.59 mi / 512 ft gain
    Muir Farm And Mount Wanda: John Muir Nature Trail is a loop trail located near Martinez, California.
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Hilltop Trail Loop

    5.0
    0.71 mi / 49 ft gain
    Hilltop Trail Loop is a loop trail in Ragle Ranch Park located near Sebastopol, California. This trail is dog and family-friendly. Ragle Ranch also has a playground for young children as an additional option for before or after hitting the trail.
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Blackberry - Thistle Loop

    5.0
    1.45 mi / 69 ft gain
    The Blacberry - Thistle Loop is a relatively easy hiking trail at Ragle Ranch park. This trail is used for hiking and running and offers some cover/shade as well as great views of foliage especially in the fall months. This trail is located on the west side of Sebastopol, California.  The park i...
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop

    5.0
    1.86 mi / 82 ft gain
    Ragle Ranch Extended Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Sebastopol, California
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  • San Francisco, California

    Glen Canyon Park Trail

    5.0
    1.76 mi / 394 ft gain
    Glen Canyon Park Trail is a loop most commonly used for running or hiking in the southwestern side of San Francisco, California. Parking for the loop is street parking, so be sure to take any valuables out of the car with you.  Note: There are restrooms available at the Glen Canyon Recreation Ce...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Mount Davidson

    4.5
    1.03 mi / 299 ft gain
    Mount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail

    5.0
    7.91 mi / 2372 ft gain
    Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...
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  • Sebastopol, California

    Madeleine Sone Wildlife Preserve Loop

    5.0
    0.94 mi / 174 ft gain
    The Madrone Sone Wildlife Preserve offers visitors a serene 1.0-mile loop trail through a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, oak woodlands, and native grasslands. Located in western Sebastopol, this hidden gem provides an accessible nature experience and important wildlife habitat in the heart of Son...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Bernal Heights Park

    4.7
    0.95 mi / 128 ft gain
    Bernal Heights Park is an excellent week night adventure for those who need an escape from the city. Sit atop this small, grassy peak in peace and look out over the San Francisco skyline. Park on the street bordering the park and follow a pathway that leads up to the top. You will be instantly g...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Willowside Road to Fulton Road

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 46 ft gain
    The Santa Rosa Creek Trail segment from Willowside Road to Fulton Road offers a delightful 2.3-mile journey through one of Santa Rosa's most accessible urban nature corridors. This well-maintained paved trail provides cyclists, walkers, and runners with a scenic route that perfectly balances natu...
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  • Oakland, California

    Sibley Volcanic Trail Labyrinths

    3.0
    2 mi / 144 ft gain
    From Skyline Blvd, pull into the staging area for Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, you'll see the sign. Parking here is usually easy to find. You'll find an unstaffed visitor center with a restroom, park maps and informational displays featuring the history and geology of the park. Sibley is a...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Fort Funston Trail

    4.7
    1.81 mi / 253 ft gain
    Fort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep se...
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  • San Francisco, California

    Lake Merced Loop

    4.7
    4.53 mi / 180 ft gain
    Lake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop. The lake itself is fresh water and is used for...
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  • Lafayette, California

    Lafayette Reservoir via Nature Area Rim Trail

    4.9
    5 mi / 758 ft gain
    Lafayette Reservoir is perfect for canoeing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. The Reservoir trail system is also used for nature walks and birding. The loop has several high points that have amazing views. The trails become very muddy after wet weather - so tread with caution.  Th...
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  • San Francisco, California

    McLaren Park: Philosopher's Way Loop

    5.0
    2.25 mi / 315 ft gain
    Beyond McLaren's family friendly playgrounds and picnic areas, there are miles of trail to explore. The Philosopher's trail is a well-marked loop (notice the stone markings along the trail with arrows etched into them). There are several parking lots available where you can jump onto the loop. No...
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  • Oakland, California

    East & West Ridge Loop

    4.5
    3.47 mi / 833 ft gain
    Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods a...
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